adj
waterproof
WAW-tuh-proof
adj
1
Not letting water pass through; able to keep water out completely.
"Make sure your hiking boots are waterproof before the trip."
"The phone case is fully waterproof, even underwater."
verb
1
To treat something so that water cannot get through it.
"They waterproofed the tent seams before the camping trip."
noun
1
A garment or material made to keep water out.
"He grabbed his waterproof before heading out into the rain."
How to Use Waterproof
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBuilt or treated so water can't get in.
Common mistake
"Water-resistant" and "waterproof" are often used loosely as if interchangeable, but strictly water-resistant items only slow water down, while waterproof items are meant to fully block it.
Easily confused with
water-resistant
Common pairings
waterproof jacket
fully waterproof
waterproof coating
Word Forms
more waterproof comparative, waterproofed past tense, waterproofs plural, waterproofs singular, most waterproof superlative
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Etymology
A compound of "water" and "-proof," meaning resistant to or protected against water.